Auburn police: Man accused of arson, causing death of 5 dogs

Auburn police arrested a 23-year-old man Thursday on accusations he started a fire that caused the death of five dogs, reports state.

Hal David Moore, of Auburn, Ala. is charged with five counts of first-degree cruelty to animals and one count each of second-degree arson, third-degree burglary and first-degree criminal mischief, police said.

According to reports, officers responded Thursday to a complaint about a home in the 2700 block of Lee Road 12. When officers arrived, they saw that someone had forced their way inside and that there was severe smoke damage to the home.

Police say they later learned that someone forcibly entered the house, damaged a number of items and started a small fire in the bedroom.